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Vegas (14-6-8) at New York (16-11-3)
- When: Dec 9 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: UBS Arena, Belmont Park, NY, USA
- TV: TNT
Vegas vs New York NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Vegas -140
Spread: Vegas -1.5 (+180)
Total: 5.5
Vegas Golden Knights Breakdown
Vegas comes into this matchup playing its sharpest hockey of the season, riding a four game winning streak and pushing hard for a fifth straight victory. They have been outstanding on the road, dropping only two games in regulation across thirteen away contests, and their confidence is growing with every late game escape.
Their latest win was pure chaos. Down a goal with under a minute left, Tomas Hertl punched in a rebound to force overtime, and then Jack Eichel finished the job eight seconds before the buzzer. The play was scripted perfectly, with Brett Howden winning a faceoff and Shea Theodore launching the puck off the wall to spring Eichel behind the defense. Clinical execution in a clutch moment.
Vegas has looked the part of a top tier team on this road trip. Shutouts, rallies, and crisp defensive work have all shown up in different games, and the group seems energized. Eichel continues to drive the offense, already sitting on more than thirty points, and his playmaking has elevated the entire lineup.
With the Pacific Division separated by a single point at the top, every win matters, and Vegas has been stacking them with purpose. Their structure, late game poise, and goaltending depth make them a strong favorite in this spot.
New York Islanders Breakdown
New York is battling through one of the most vicious schedule stretches in the league. They are in the middle of facing five straight past Stanley Cup champions and through it all they have survived better than anyone expected.
Wins over Tampa Bay and Colorado were impressive, and even the loss to Florida on Sunday did not discourage coach Patrick Roy, who praised the effort and intensity. The Islanders earned six points in that brutal run, which most teams would happily take.
Ilya Sorokin has been the heartbeat of the team, winning three straight and getting named the NHL’s First Star of the Week after posting a brilliant 1.33 goals against average and a .960 save percentage. When Sorokin is locked in, New York becomes tough to crack.
There is some good news coming on the injury front as Jean Gabriel Pageau is close to returning after missing eight games. His return adds needed depth and defensive reliability. The concern is the cooling stretch from Bo Horvat, who has only four points in his last nine games after a hot run earlier in the year.
New York already beat Vegas once this season, sneaking out an overtime win on the road. They know they can hang with the Golden Knights, but they will need strong discipline, clean zone exits, and another big night from Sorokin to stay competitive.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
Vegas arrives with momentum, healthier scoring threats, and a stronger blue line, while New York is grinding through a grueling schedule and leaning heavily on Sorokin. The Islanders can keep things tight for stretches, but Vegas has the deeper roster and fresher legs.
Score Prediction: Vegas 3, Islanders 2
Pick: Vegas (-140)
Total: Under 5.5 (-110)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
